The Tower, Park and Trail are currently CLOSED until further notice due to Covid-19.
Violations of this closure are enforceable by the Ontario Provincial Police.

Because of this closure, the public water tap is currently not accessible. There will be no seasonal passes issued at this time. Additional public water taps within the Township of Algonquin Highlands can be found at: Stanhope Airport located at 1168 Stanhope Airport Rd. and the Main Township Office located at 1123 North Shore Rd. All users are reminded that these are public facilities where extraordinary hygiene protocols are required.

The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower Park is operated and maintained for your enjoyment by the Township of Algonquin Highlands.

The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is located off Highway 35 just north of the village of Dorset.

The original tower was built in 1922, was 25 metres high (82 feet) and used as a fire lookout tower until 1961. The current tower was built in 1967 and is 30 metres high (100 feet) and was erected for visitors to enjoy the view.

Annually, more than 10,000 vehicles (60,000 visitors) will pass through the gates. In the peak Autumn season, it is not unusual for more than 600 vehicles to visit the tower in a single day.

Visitors are welcome to climb to the observation deck, which is 142 metres (465 feet) above Lake of Bays, and enjoy the view from the tree-top lookout as well as ground level lookouts

Facilities include picnic sites, restrooms, a tourist information kiosk, a gift shop and a hiking trail. Click here for a printable copy of the Dorset Scenic Tower Trail map.

Dogs, when leashed, are welcome at the Tower Park and on the Trail, but are not allowed on the actual Tower.

The Tower is a "use at own risk" attraction. High risk use of the Tower and mountain is not permitted.

Live web stream from the top of the Dorset Lookout Tower!

Fee Schedule

Prices include HST

Walk-Up

$5.50

Car

$16.50

Motorcycle

$8.25

Coach/Van - up to 9 passengers

$22.00

Large Camper/Van/RV/Mini-bus/10-15 passengers

$33.00

Mini-Bus and/or 16-29 passengers

$49.50

Coach Bus and/or 30 passengers or more

$71.50

Seasons Pass*

$27.50

*Season pass is limited to registration of two vehicles per household, NOT for shared use between households, NOT available for commercial use